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West Stockbridge Marks 250th Anniversary of Founding

Officials including state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli and state Sen. Paul Mark address the gathering in Saturday. 

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The town marked 250 years as a tight-knit community on Saturday with food, music, history lessons, and many smiles.

In 1774, the General Court in Boston passed an act to establish the Town of West Stockbridge after five years of effort and its first town meeting was held on July 4 of that year. State and local officials gathered in front of Town Hall on Saturday to kick off a day of bicenquinquagenary celebrations hosted by the West Stockbridge Historical Society.

State Sen. Paul Mark noted that the town is older than the Senate and read a citation from Gov. Maura Healey.

"Congratulations, you were founded in a very tumultuous time that then led to the birth of our country, which is approaching its 250th anniversary, and only months from the first shots of the Revolutionary War, which was of course right here in Massachusetts," he said.

"So you're a trendsetter. You're a trailblazer."

Lifelong resident Gene Dellea and state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli were honored during the event.  Pignatelli reflected on his early memories of Town Hall, which is undergoing a multiphase restoration.

"Restoring our history I think is so important for all of our communities," he said. "There's a lot of books of old buildings in Berkshire County that are sadly just black and white photos because the buildings have been torn down, fell down, burned down, or whatever."

The day began with a procession down Main Street followed by a barbecue, scavenger hunt, antique vehicle showcase, bake sale, and history talks.

Guest Column: An Honor to Serve

By Smitty PignatelliGuest Column
01:21PM / Friday, December 20, 2024

As I reflect on the past 22 years serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. Together with my colleagues, I have had the privilege of contributing to landmark legislation that has defined our commonwealth, from marriage equality to health care for all — both of which became national models. 

 

I've worked on major environmental, economic development, and housing bond bills that continue to benefit the Berkshires and will for years to come.

 

Of course, none of this was accomplished single-handedly. The legislative process is a team effort, and I have been fortunate to serve alongside dedicated colleagues who have always put the interests of Massachusetts first. When I first entered the House, I thought I knew a lot, having spent years in local and county government. But I quickly realized I had much more to learn. I was lucky to have the guidance and support of Reps. Peter Larkin, Dan Bosley and the entire Berkshire delegation, who took me under their wing and set me on the right path. I was proud to team up with them 20 years ago to create the first in the nation Cultural Facilities Fund that has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy. 

 

Throughout my tenure, we've faced the ups and downs of local, state, and global economies. Yet I've always believed that when we work together, no challenge is insurmountable. The 22 communities I have represented over the years have demonstrated time and again the power of collaboration to make the Berkshires — and what I like to call "BesternMass" — a thriving, vibrant region.

 

The State House is steeped in tradition, with its formal titles and protocols: "Representative this" or "Chairperson that." But I've always reminded my team that while my job may be important, I never felt important. I entered the House as Smitty, and I'm proud to leave it the same way — simply Smitty.

 

Growing up, politics in my household was never a dirty word, and politicians were not seen as bad people. Those early lessons grounded me in the belief that public service is about representing the needs of others, not yourself. I've carried that belief with me every day in the House, never forgetting where I came from or the people I was there to serve. Representing the 4th (now 3rd) Berkshire District — my home — has been the greatest honor of my life. I wasn't always successful, but I gave my best every single day. After nearly 50 years in public service, I retire as a public servant, not a politician.

 

One of my greatest concerns is that public office today risks becoming more about "self-service" than "public service." We need people at all levels to stay engaged, hold public officials accountable, and demand better. I've always set a high bar for myself and those around me. I've never been afraid to admit failure or celebrate shared success, and I've tried each day to lead with the same passion, vision, and integrity my family instilled in me.